This is an archive article published on July 24, 2020
Identified 4 cops who ‘assaulted’ labourer, proposed departmental inquiry: Police to Bombay HC
The police's response came after the HC, expressing displeasure over the delay in probe into Devendra's case, on Thursday directed the police to produce the progress report of the investigation and disclose its decision regarding conducting an inquiry against the officers.
The court, while saying that it will pass further orders after examining the progress report to be submitted before August 5, posted the next hearing for August 6. (File)
The Mumbai Police informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that it had identified four officials of Juhu police station, who allegedly assaulted Raju Velu Devendra (22), a labourer, on March 29 while enforcing the lockdown and also proposed a departmental inquiry against them.
A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Anuj Prabhudesai was hearing a PIL filed last month by advocate Firdause Irani through advocate Bahraiz Irani, seeking urgent intervention in view of the alleged police brutality.
Citing a human rights organisation report, Irani had alleged that instances of police brutality had led to 15 deaths, two of which took place in Mumbai. Shagir Jamil Khan, a porter, and Raju Velu Devendra died after being allegedly assaulted by south Mumbai and Juhu police station officers, respectively.
On June 30, the HC had asked the police to file reports into the incidents of alleged excesses. The reports were filed during the next hearing.
On July 17, court asked the police to file a status report into the investigations, which it submitted on Thursday.
The police’s response came after the HC, expressing displeasure over the delay in probe into Devendra’s case, on Thursday directed the police to produce the progress report of the investigation and disclose its decision regarding conducting an inquiry against the officers.
Relatives of Devendra had alleged that he was beaten to death by police personnel in Nehru Nagar of Vile Parle (West). The police, however, had initially claimed that Devendra died after he was lynched by a mob who suspected him of committing a robbery.
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During the earlier hearings, denying allegations of excesses, the police had filed two affidavits. A status report was also filed, in which four policemen were identified, who allegedly assaulted Devendra. The report added that police proposed to conduct departmental proceedings against them.
Government pleader Purnima H Kantharia, appearing for the state, on Thursday told the HC that she had viewed CCTV footage and did not find any instance of mob assaulting Devendra. However, whether he succumbed to injuries inflicted by assault by fiber lathis (used by police) is a matter that needs further investigation, she added.
“It is indeed distressing to note that from April 18, 2020 till July 10, 2020, no investigation was embarked upon by the assistant commissioner of police,” the HC observed.
After perusing ACP’s assurance that he would conduct a fair and complete investigation expeditiously, the HC directed the officer to proceed with the probe and file a further progress report while disclosing the decision taken on the proposal to initiate departmental proceedings against the officers.
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The court, while saying that it will pass further orders after examining the progress report to be submitted before August 5, posted the next hearing for August 6.
Omkar Gokhale is a journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates exceptionally strong Expertise and Authority in legal and judicial reporting, making him a highly Trustworthy source for developments concerning the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court in relation to Maharashtra and its key institutions.
Expertise & Authority
Affiliation: Reports for The Indian Express, a national newspaper known for its rigorous journalistic standards, lending significant Trustworthiness to his legal coverage.
Core Authority & Specialization: Omkar Gokhale's work is almost exclusively dedicated to the complex field of legal affairs and jurisprudence, specializing in:
Bombay High Court Coverage: He provides detailed, real-time reports on the orders, observations, and decisions of the Bombay High Court's principal and regional benches. Key subjects include:
Fundamental Rights & Environment: Cases on air pollution, the right to life of residents affected by dumping sites, and judicial intervention on critical infrastructure (e.g., Ghodbunder Road potholes).
Civil & Criminal Law: Reporting on significant bail orders (e.g., Elgaar Parishad case), compensation for rail-related deaths, and disputes involving high-profile individuals (e.g., Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty).
Constitutional and Supreme Court Matters: Reports and analysis on key legal principles and Supreme Court warnings concerning Maharashtra, such as those related to local body elections, reservations, and the creamy layer verdict.
Governance and Institution Oversight: Covers court rulings impacting public bodies like the BMC (regularisation of illegal structures) and the State Election Commission (postponement of polls), showcasing a focus on judicial accountability.
Legal Interpretation: Reports on public speeches and observations by prominent judicial figures (e.g., former Chief Justice B. R. Gavai) on topics like free speech, gender equality, and institutional challenges.
Omkar Gokhale's consistent, focused reporting on the judiciary establishes him as a definitive and authoritative voice for legal developments originating from Mumbai and impacting the entire state of Maharashtra. ... Read More
The court, while saying that it will pass further orders after examining the progress report to be submitted before August 5, posted the next hearing for August 6. (File)
